We have seen some major shake-ups in the Premier League since the turn of the year. Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have all appointed new head coaches in 2026, but where do they stand in the form table?
Today, we’ll be looking at how the Premier League top five would look if the season started on January 1. Please note – not all the teams in this list have played an equal amount of games.
5. Bournemouth
After a mid-season blip that threatened to derail their season, Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth have surged back into European contention on the back of a lengthy unbeaten streak.
The Cherries have lost just one of their last ten matches in the Premier League – additionally, they’re also unbeaten away from home during this timeframe.
During this time, they’ve recorded wins over Everton, Tottenham and Liverpool – perhaps losing Antoine Semenyo was a blessing in disguise?
4. Brentford
Keith Andrews’ Brentford haven’t been a particularly strong home side in 2026 – however, no other team can match their recent away form.
The Bees have won four of their six away games this year, picking up victories over the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa on enemy ground.
Andrews’ focus on set-pieces is always going to benefit playing away from home. At the G-Tech Stadium, where teams look to sit in, it is less effective – nonetheless, he deserves plenty of credit for his achievements in the 2025/26 season.
3. Manchester City
No surprises with this one. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City always tend to pick up towards the end of the season – the 2025/26 campaign has not proven to be an outlier as things stand.
City are still second in the real league table, being five points behind leaders Arsenal – they do have a game in hand over the Gunners, however.
Having lost just one of their previous ten Premier League games, with no home defeats, City are poised to take the title race right down to the wire.
2. Arsenal
Arsenal might be top of the real Premier League table, but they haven’t been the best team in the league since the start of 2026.
The Gunners have only lost once this year, having gone unbeaten away from home. They aren’t showing any signs of slowing down just yet, even if their recent home form has been somewhat underwhelming.
Ultimately, Arsenal’s new-look style has served them well this season. It hasn’t been entertaining, but it has most certainly been effective.
1. Manchester United
Michael Carrick has revolutionised Manchester United. Following the over-complicated approach of Ruben Amorim, Carrick sought to simplify things – so far, his approach has been like night and day.
The Red Devils have yet to lose a Premier League game in 2026. Not only are they at the top of this form table – they also have a game in hand over Arsenal.
It is too late for United to mount a late title charge, but their position in the top four looks very secure at the momemt.